Atletico Madrid’s dream run in La Liga was due to the brilliant goal scoring prowess of Diego Costa. Last season when their talisman Rademal Falcao departed for AS Monaco, their was a shadow casting over Atletico Madrid’s front line. Even though seasoned campaigner David Villa was brought in to steady the ship, it was the emergence of Diego Costa which helped them in their victorious campaign. For the second season running Atletico Madrid are poised to lose their main goal scorer.

Atletico Madrid aren’t new to losing their stalwarts. The likes of Fernando Torres and Sergio Kun Aguero left the capital after they hit the purple patch. They were ably and adequately replaced, and the system in capital gained more prominence since they beat the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga.

As Atletico Madrid are preparing for the new season as defending champions, a number of their influential players are rumoured to be on their way out. Goal keeper Thibaut Courtois might not be returning to La Liga, as Chelsea are looking to keep him in English Premier League. Apart from depriving Atletico Madrid of their keeper, Chelsea are also targeting the trio of Diego Costa, Tiago and Filipe Luis. La Liga giants Barcelona are monitoring the situation of Brazilian defender Joao Miranda. The advantage Atletico Madrid possessed over their rivals was a closely knit unit and it looks likely that the crux of them team is looking for greener pastures.

To make up for the losses, Atletico Madrid have identified the targets and are working to bring them to the Spanish capital. Former Valencia striker Roberto Soldado was a target of Atletico Madrid last year, but he ended up in Tottenham Hotspur in a record deal. Atletico Madrid are still keen on the Spanish striker who endured a miserable first season in English football.

A prolific scorer in La Liga, Roberto Soldado had to settle for a mere six goals in Premier League, out of which only two came from open play. The Spaniard didn’t get going in England and is looking for an escape route from Tottenham Hotspur. The €30 million signing saw his value dip and missed out on Spain’s 2014 World Cup trip as a result.

Roberto Soldado is looking to get his career back on track and move to Spain is his most preferred choice. 29-year old striker was a prolific scorer during his Getafe and Valencia days, and a move to the familiar territory of La Liga might reignite the fire in his scoring boots.

Atletico Madrid needs a prolific goal scorer who can replace Diego Costa, and Roberto Soldado fits the bill perfectly. After his disappointment with Tottenham, can Roberto Soldado carry the weight of expectations from Atletico Madrid faithful?